Denver Dogs Have Their Day at Pet Cancer Awareness Walk

Participants Raise more than $12,000 for Pet Cancer Research at the Third Annual Denver VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk

Brea, Calif. (June 10, 2013) – More than two hundred people and their pooches came out to Washington Park in Denver, Colo., on June 9 to support and raise funds for pet cancer research at the third annual Denver VPI K9K Cancer Awareness Walk. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, hosted the 3K (1.8 miles) walk, which raised more than $12,000 to benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research in comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. Since 2007, VPI has raised more than $170,000 to benefit the ACF.

“VPI has been a generous sponsor over the years and has helped the Animal Cancer Foundation generate public awareness about the number one disease-related killer of dogs in the United States and the advances in treatment options for pets,” said Barbara Cohen, executive director, ACF. “Now in its third year, the Denver VPI K9K Cancer Awareness Walk grows in popularity, allowing ACF to develop and support comparative oncology research that advances the prevention and treatment of cancer for people and pets.”

Among the participants at the Denver VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk was television personality, Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, PhD, and his Chihuahua, Yoda. Dr. Fitzgerald, ABVP Staff Veterinarian at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, served as Grand Marshall of the walk and is helping to create awareness and stress the importance of early cancer detection. Dr. Fitzgerald is also on the Board of Directors of the Denver Zoo and the past president of the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society.

“This year, we had a record number of people come out to Washington Park to walk for a great cause and show their support and raise funds for pet cancer research,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “We received more than 55,000 claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2012, and VPI is committed to increasing awareness about the prevalence of this deadly disease among companion animals.”

To promote pet cancer awareness and research, VPI will host a second K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk this year on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Long Beach, Calif.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Animal Cancer Foundation

Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research in and increasing public awareness of comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. ACF provides research grants to medical and veterinary oncology professionals studying comparative oncology models. ACF does not fund studies that would induce cancer in pets. Clinical trials are offered to pet owners in their local oncology practices. ACF serves as a preeminent resource in educating the public and scientific communities to the value of the comparative oncology model not only to discover valuable new ways to treat cancer in pets, but that these advances may lead to more effective, less toxic therapies for people.